Orihuela’s Council has announced the tender for repairing the railings along the promenades of Playa Flamenca and La Zenia. Councillor Manuel Mestre (Vox) stated, “After years of waiting, we will restore these promenades to the state they deserve.” This long-awaited project aims to improve safety and enhance the aesthetic appeal of two prominent areas along the Orihuela coastline.
The deteriorated state of the railings has posed safety risks for years. The repair project includes completely replacing the vertical posts of the railings while reusing the horizontal tubes that remain in good condition. Where necessary, damaged tubes will be replaced with new ones. Mestre emphasized that the new design ensures durability and resistance to maritime environmental conditions.
Currently, the corrosion of vertical posts has caused sections of the railings to collapse, leaving gaps secured only by temporary fences and police tape. These provisional measures have marred the appearance of popular tourist spots. With a total budget of €195,016.16, the project covers 767.94 meters in Playa Flamenca and 372.88 meters in La Zenia. Once initiated, the work is expected to take three months to complete.
Background and Challenges
The project was debated during a plenary session last September, where Mestre announced an initial investment of €216,000. However, delays arose due to funding adjustments, as the initial budget was insufficient to cover all 1,440 linear meters requiring renovation. An additional €85,000 was allocated to address the shortfall.
Criticism also emerged regarding the choice of materials. While some residents proposed wood for its aesthetic appeal, municipal technicians recommended chrome nickel due to its durability and low maintenance, particularly in a maritime environment. Despite these disagreements, the motion was unanimously approved, marking a step forward in addressing a long-standing problem.
Related Projects
The City Council has also put out a tender for another initiative to improve the promenades. With a budget of €198,505.01 funded by European grants, this project will enhance the energy efficiency of lighting in Aguamarina, Playa Flamenca, La Zenia, and Punta Prima. Both actions fall under the Sustainable Tourism Plan, supported by €2 million from Brussels during the last legislative period.
Tourism Promotion Initiative
In addition to the promenade renovations, the Council has launched a €45,000 tender to design an inbound marketing campaign promoting Orihuela as a tourist destination. The campaign aims to highlight Orihuela’s cultural heritage, increase visitor numbers, and boost local economic activity. Funded by the European Union’s Next Generation EU initiative, this project will include creating digital content, videos, podcasts, and advertisements to target national tourists aged 30 to 50.
By addressing infrastructure and tourism promotion, these initiatives aim to position Orihuela as a safer, more attractive destination for residents and visitors alike.
